Megan Baecker

Silly Paper Valentine's Hearts

2012-02-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

So I have fallen in love with paper hearts! So Simple and easy... I just could not help myself. I saw some pictures on-line and thought...hey... I want to buy those adorable hearts! Then reality pinched me (I mean my son literally pinched me and said play with me) and I thought " Hey I could make those with the kids"! Only mission left was to convince my kids that this would be FUN! Oddly, or maybe not, other children when visiting can't get enough crafting time in with me, but my own children roll their eyes and run when they see me pull out the glue gun. I guess things seem special when you don't do them often.

To get my daughter interested I pulled the old... "Why don't you help me and then you can decide where the hearts should go. You can be the Heart decorator!"

These beauties were made in four easy steps.

Draw on paper. Stack two pieces of paper. Draw Four sizes and one middle. (Use a ruler as a template for equal widths) (I used plain construction paper, any will do, the prettier the better )
Cut out. I cut the two pieces at once for less drawing.
Stack up & staple bottom. Stack two piles of largest to smallest. Put center piece on one stack. Sandwich together. Tap to make line up. Scramble to find stapler. Staple Center bottom.
Tuck in and Hole punch to hang. Hold center piece curve side pieces in, then do other side. Hole punch top of middle piece. Add an extra staple to bottom if you want extra secure. Attach string and VOILA!! Done.

Draw

Cut & Stack

Sandwich together & Staple

Tuck and Hang.

Now off to figure out Valentines for the kids classes :) !!

2012-01-29T23:16:00.000-08:00

The Kid's Bathroom

So time has ran out on me; and some projects have moved from "would like to do eventually" to "DO BEFORE A MAJOR PROBLEM IS ON YOUR HANDS!!". Much to my sadness, it is my kid's bathroom that is hollering at me. You would think it would be the master bathroom but no... I still can persistantly ignore it's pleadings as I give it a scrub. My master bath just says "hey lady... hey lady I'm ugly...really really ugly" while my kids bathroom is saying..."LADY FIX ME! OR YOUR TOILET WILL OVERFLOW WITH SEWAGE AND YOUR ABOUT TO HAVE A MAJOR MOISTURE PROBLEM!" okay okay okay. I would much rather tackling flooring or windows but alas...wishes and champagne tastes on a beer budget.

So we have been saving up money and I have started my process: PLAN ALL BATHROOMS AT ONCE...or eventually they will look mismatched and I WILL overspend.

Dreams,
Budget,
Basic Plan,
Bathroom Guy,
Shopping (need in stock and newer products so that by the time I save up enough for the other bathrooms they will look cohesive and I hopefully will not have to scrounge around as much)
Final Plan
Final Budget
Shopping (yet another million shopping trips to find "better prices" or truthfully... to make sure I still like the stuff I originally picked.)

So the dreaming stuff... ahh...I love all the happiness that flows through my veins while I am dreaming. Images of tiled walls in glossy white, or huge sheets of marble, or tiles of one colour with various shades like an ombre effect. See!! It's so much fun! I could not stop for about ten days...(thus no blogging, hey I was busy day dreaming ha ha ha)

More: Rustic Country with a found vanity and vintage taps (see side picture by our beloved Canadian Sarah Richardson of http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/ ) or uber modern glistening cabinetry. Sleek european deliciousness with a touch of west coast rustic....see picture below from Duravit. http://www.duravit.us/website/homepage/

No wait... what about totally redoing my world and having a toilet that helps the environment... hmm. Can that be attractive? How much would it cost to re-plumb my whole house on an idea?? I did find this interesting video by Virginia Gardiner for Dwell. http://www.dwell.com/videos/the-bathroom-reinvented-virginia-gardiner.html

And the dreaming continued. Then I decided to just stop. ha ha ha. Reality dictates that I have a very west coast contemporary home with an existing modern white kitchen. My kitchen will not be getting the boot, though all the appliances except the gas cooktop have. (well the gas cooktop needs to go...I think when I turn around it makes fun of me...when cleaning it, it decided to permanently click it's starter... I mean really...doesn't it know it's a gas stove and that's dangerous??!!... I did the only thing a girl could do... With an evil laugh I unplugged it! And bought myself the prettiest long matches. hmmph!)

So I hunkered down. Planned every aspect for all three bathrooms, shopped and prepared drawings and spreadsheets. Hmm...remember creative girl married to a finance guy... I will not get away with it's "around" pricing. I need exact and a contingency for error and once the said project commences I will have to report on financial situation daily via email so he does not bother me :) whew.... I really really wish that bathroom didn't yell at me.

As the project unfolds I will provide pictures and details. I will be going for a modern west coast look with my favorite white wall treatment and a very modern simple lines.

Thank you graphics fairy for my very awesome background this week. I am sure that I will keep to one look ...eventually!! knee slap. This blog is my favorite of all time! Free and Pretty... sigh! http://www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/ I cannot wait to tackle my valentine's decorations this year!

New Year! New To Do List!

2012-01-03T10:23:00.001-08:00

Okay... Here I come 2012! I should type YAHOO! But I feel a little more like meh! Ha ha ha!

Biggest lessons from 2011.... I learned to look more objectively at myself and with self reflection... I realized I need to relax, enjoy life a quit being so bossy! So for 2012 I will limit my exclamations of correcting others ( even when I'm clueless I seem to have two bits of input). Whew! Big one this year.

My house is cleared out (bye bye christmas) in the main areas and my to do list is in the works. You know those nagging projects that for lack of time or money (taste too expensive) I just don't seem to tackle. Often my problem is being side tracked, I have the attention span of a flea! So here it goes.

~~Attack kids bathroom~~ and redo
Clear out office and rework
Redo bannister that my son has peeled the paint off of gotta love kids!!
Do something with my hideous laundry room (~~that includes catching up on my ironing~~)
Paint, organize, and beautify my closets
Sew cushions, and items for new stuff.
Paint my master bathroom
Paint family room and address wonky walls,
Paint office
Finish new deck outside
Plan plantings
Finish side yard so it is serviceable
Work on crawl space to make sure my house can hold my heavy appliances and stuff. (why oh why do I like big big big heavy things?)
And why not.. Paint master bedroom...finally

Big list but I can't wait to start!

Sigh...It's Clean Up Time!

2011-12-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Sigh...

It's clean up time. Time to focus back on the basics and just clean, sparkling and clean lines too!. Counters, walls floors, beds. Yes, every Christmas we clean up and decorate, then we entertain, then we clean up. I am cleaning up and then excitedly...(I think one must wait till after new years, but I know I won't make it this year) clearing out! I will get to fill the still yearning, burning desire to simplify. I will be clearing every surface! Abolishing every knick Nack and then sitting back and thinking...New Years Resolutions... really?!!? I will post cleared out pictures in a couple days. Anyone want to pick my accent colour this spring? ha ha ha. Let's be honest...maybe I will think about them tomorrow. not to mention new years. Let's stick with one simple gorgeous picture to inspire the clear out.

Thank you... www.akadesign.ca for where I found the picture to inspire me to get in gear this year! Where are those floors from??

Thank you Graphics Fairy! for the non holiday blog background! www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

Prince, high heels, friends, family and cookies

2011-12-19T07:40:00.001-08:00

Wow! I went to see the amazingly talented Prince on Friday night. The man is 53, short, and wearing lipstick and heels and still... Made my heart flutter. Did I mention he was wearing sparkly gold sequined pants? Should that not be a complete statement of "not attractive" ? Well, Prince, shimmied, shook, sang and rocked the guitar with such intensity that it made my knees weak and made me a lover of gold sparkly pants. The performance covered some of his hits as montages and then featured a few in entirety. I mean, how could an entertainer cover that much material? The moments he let his band take the lead only worked for musical solos. Prince had such a prescence that the stage lost electricity when he was in the background or changing outfits. I've learned that one human can have so much magnetism that they dwarf all around. He was awesome. For the complete picture...hmm. I never go downtown, in evenings, without my handsome husband. I actually felt nervous and a little anxiety at the prospect. Having my besfriend at my side eased the nerves and I bravely stepped out of our hotel in 3 + inch heels and a lovely off the shoulder black crepe frock. Champagne always makes me braver. So off we went for cocktails...I wanted to check out the new Rosewood (Georgia street hotel) lobby lounge and hmm... Standing room only? Did they see my shoes? No thank you! So into the Vancouver hotel. Wow! Flocked Christmas trees decorated in red and white, fake snow, and a stunning gingerbread entry. Completely full but a few seats gleamed and glinted in the crowd. Perfect! We alighted at the bar. Champagne in hand I cozied down in my seat and enjoyed watching my friend speak with others. We then took a cab to Rogers arena, partook in a great concert (my friend got us amazing seats!) Then we went outside and .... Ugh! Every cab was full! A couple of blocks and I decided that's it. Cozy pants and sustenance was all I needed to complete my evening. Thus it was so. I adore my best girlfriend and I hope she was not disappointed... I must say out with me is a trip on the karma scales...amazing things seem to happen but I always pay with a tainted meal or lack of an empty cab. ( another day I may explore the a and an part of our language... I love the an) I returned to my family and then went off for the final advent dinner at my Mom's and yay! My brother is home visiting for the holidays. Now it's Monday at home with the babes... I invited our friends over and we are now going to spend our afternoon baking cookies, assembling pies and making Christmas cards. Wish me patience with a kitchen and four kids!

Cookie Exchange!...but well let's face it... I am not good at baking!!

2011-12-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

Whew... I have finished my greens outside. Thank you to the tree that fell over in the forest next to me :) I love free things! I am just sad that it did not have a cute enough top for me to remove and use as a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree in the family room. I think when the wind blew it over the poor tree bounce around for a while before nudging my neighbors fence.

I have a new prospect today, my first cookie exchange. The packages are in freezer bags, wrapped and tagged. I actually struggled to ensure they look cute because I think I am breaking serious Cookie Exchange rules...I am bringing squares... and well they (very sheepish I am) have peanut butter in them. Sigh! Problem is..I am not very good at making cookies. The invitation thrilled me... prospect of my family getting bites of cookies that are not akin to lead. But uhm..what do I bring? Lead, hard as rocks or more lead. So I purchased a cookie making mix...then realized...that might make me a cheater. So I made my stand by Trailer Trash Bars... otherwise known as Confetti. Wish me luck!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas with a hint of blush!

2011-12-09T14:29:00.001-08:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas with a hint of blush! by meganbaecker featuring jeweled heels

A reluctant Wednesday.

2011-12-07T10:33:00.001-08:00

Every wake up with the best intentions but a serious lack of motivation? It seems that I am feeling the twinges of a serious episode of the blahs... I am now craving something ridiculous...and not my 4th+ (let's just say I am a coffee junky) cup of coffee ! I am craving January. Why? Well, January represents fresh, cleaned out and sparse. I am almost drooling over modern clean lines and desiring every surface of my home to be bare. But the blue door above is hinting of an action plan, you know an extension of my to do list.

Okay. Back to reality. It's December, sparkle, glitter, laughter and merriment. I promise. I will go do my floors, dust, and wash windows. I am commiting now. I will not minimalize the holiday decor. In fact I will add more. I will make a garland and wreaths for some windows. Okay... www.marthastewart.com here I come. The busy hands will help the blahs stay at bay...yes??

All images are from Martha Stewart's awesome website. Look up wreath, or garland and then find one you like, she has a tutorial for everything. (must admit I quick read then wing it!!) I will post images of my completed trials :)

Mornings and a few of my FAVORITE THINGS!!

2011-11-29T10:48:00.001-08:00

Good Morning!

For most of my life I have dreaded mornings, particularly Monday morning; but Monday went well! I managed some cleaning, holiday shopping, dropped off my wares at Romancing the Home (yes! they are there now! www.romancingthehome.ca ). Found an awesome project to tackle and planned a little girl party for my daughter on Saturday evening. Then went and drank champagne and decorated a beautiful tree with one of my lovely friends. She reagaled me with tales of Paris and watching Robert Redford film and act downtown. Sigh...Can a man that old still make me sigh... yes he can! I haven't had a day this good...well since...well since I can remember! ha ha ha.

Now it's Tuesday... the kids are home sick and the to do list has been drastically altered. Thankfully my furnace was sucessfully serviced.... (I think I may have the best plumbing and heating guy...nice, friendly, married with 3 kids, hardworking...no dilly dallying AND shows up on time! Plumbers are expensive and at an hourly rate I want mine doing the job! He drives a tickety boo truck, leaves my house tickety boo and treats me with respect! even though I am girl!! ha ha ha! So I will let everyone know... he is Max at Maxwell's plumbing and Heating. 604-785-5461..tell him Megan sent you...just so he know's I appreciate him and it will make him continue to laugh at my bad jokes.)

So here it goes... My favorite things/places, whatchamacallits for this year!! From home stuffs to clothes stuffs and things in between.

1) Etsy www.etsy.com

This website features amazing items that are handmade, wonderful and completely inspiring: Check out tea dresses, tags, cards, childrens clothing, cushions and furniture:

Anista Designs: Christmas tags/ornaments, basically paper products that make you drool.

The NestinSLT: Pretty pretty paper goods...sigh!

Little Star Clothing: Just one of the makers featuring the adorable for kidlet fashion. This website is loaded!! with ideas and inspirations and well...must haves too!!

Full Bloom Cottage...Hmmm. This is on my wish list... pricey for a quick grab...This is one item I might try to sew. Seriously...it's linen and oh so prett...not too mention I like that headboard ha ha ha!!

2) Jewellery!!

Stella and Dot. www.stelladot.com Okay... okay...not a new love for most of us, but they have now made the line much more affordable than last time I gandered! The above is $118.00 okay...a fair price. But check out the pictures and you will adore the make up and clothing selections. Absolutely inspiring!!

3) The Return of Vintage style! Fabulous Forties & Fifties! Curves, easy assembly and well every girl looks good in a dress!!

Mod Cloth www.modcloth.com. Cute, retro, vintage style.

Suzannah Couture Clothing www.suzannah.com. She makes these items in Britain. Hmm. Wedding gowns...but I love the tailored and shift dresses. They are so amazing. I will be saving my pennies for one of these creations. Where I will wear it if I finally save money? I think just everyday.

Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com this store is on South Granville now... ahhhh!!! But things like the above "audrey tulle dress" are available online only. Hmmm.

4)DIM Nylons. Okay...do you love the look of perfect legs?? I have white pale sticks and I don't like the way nylons feel. But these babies are awesome!! Translucent, soft, shiny and well durable!! They are available locally only at Shoppers Drug Mart. Stock up! I promise they rock! Not to mention they make you look like a lady. Naked legs are truly a west coast thing and I think best for those under twenty. If you want to debate take a look at the red carpet...unless your Halle Berry not naked legs!!

5) Christmas!! I love Christmas decorating! I love filling my urns with fresh greens, hanging wreaths and having my house filled with country sparkle, glittering with candle light and plans of yummy food! I let my eight year old daughter decorate the tree this year... it pained me but I am proud to report I have not moved one item! ha ha ha I go all out country this time of year but at my friend's house we went over the top with silver, magnolia's and white and cream sinamae!! I loved it!

6) Frye Boots. I don't think I need to say anymore. If you own a pair...you know. If you are thinking you need a new best friend, these boots fit the bill. Mine are beaten and almost ruined, but they truly are my favorites.

7) Polyvore! www.polyvore.com for those of us who like creative moments without clean up, fashion and well pretty things. This website lets you create collages without the work of cutting, gluing and mess. I find that this keeps me inspired without having to go shopping.

8) Favorite Holiday places to visit with the Kids!

Art Knapp: They have a Thomas the Train Ride, Chickens!! a Christmas village to ooh and aahh over and a little train!

Campbell River Park: Leash up the crazy dog, pack juice boxes and take husband and children warmly dressed. It's free and refreshing! I love it!

Potters at Night: Early evening in the shade of dusk... a trip out to the distant Potters to watch Christmas lights twinkle to music. My kidlets think it's magical. Yes... I park right next to those "don't park here" signs. Really...who other than us light watchers are there??

9) Select Websites! Yes... I like reading a few blogs, they are like tidbits of good gossip! My favorites include a couple of local girls.

http://www.cookthatbook.com/ by Jasmine Bradley. A woman who has a passion for cooking, kids and writing!

http://heathercameronstylist.blogspot.com/ by my favorite stylist and Jam maker!! Heather Cameron. She has a way with photography and placement that makes me just adore everything she touches.

That's it... I am going to leave number ten out of the picture...Seriously I know I am missing something. It just will have to wait until my brain has enough coffee. I'm off to tackle the needles covering my thyme and goodness knows what else. Yes that's it. Ten could be gardening... but only sometimes :)

Happy Holidays!
Megan

Holiday Wares and more to make!! Ha ha ha

2011-11-23T12:40:00.001-08:00

So here it goes... I am almost finished. Just the cushion covers and I can call it quits...I think. I cannot wait to clean up the chaos I have surrounded our home in! My poor spare room is stuffed to the max as every afternoon I quickly tuck it all away so that my family sees the floor :) I hope that you like the few items below. They will be available at the Bayridge Craft Fair Friday night 5 -8pm. As for today... A few more stitches and a quick game of "name that letter" with my boy and I am off to stuffing the spare room again!

made by hand, with love

~mb

handcrafted with love and care

please dry clean or spot wash only

this item is composed of both new

and vintage materials.

www.meganbaecker.blogspot.com

sometimes you just want everything

Henny Penny’s - I am a Henny Penny, rustic yet lovely. I am made up of best intentionsand compliments..

Making the holidays bright!

~Mb

Silly Milly’s - I am a Silly Millly, sweetly ruffled, innocent in all white anddreaming of a

home filled with giggles, laughter and love.

Making the holidays bright!

French Maids - I am a French maid.! Promising glimpses of frenchinspirations, and soft whispers of sparkles.

Making the holidays bright!

~Mb

Raggamuffins - Iam a Ragamuffin each part of me was once something else. I collect goodmemories and laughter .

Making the holidays bright!

~Mb

Mary Quite Contraries – Mary Mary Quite Contrary How does your gardengrow? With laughter and love and all things nice!

Making the holidays bright!

~Mb

Heart Ornaments – Set of 3

Making the holidays bright!

~Mb

images on items and the lovely bee image is from www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

Holiday Craft Fair

2011-11-21T22:51:00.001-08:00

So I have been at my sewing machine being simply silly

(I am not a top notch seamstress but with many finger pokes and mistakes, I am now passable)

I have put together a collection of handmade stockings and cushion covers...

mixed up my country style with pretty silk ribbons, french imagery and well named them the sweetest names.

Please come see my "Silly Millies", "Raggamuffins", "Henny Pennies" and "Sweet Mary Quite Contraries"

(hopefully the ornaments will be finished in time too )

I would be honoured if you could attend :) Hopefully all will be sold and I can do this again to amuse my creative yearnings.

Friday November 25th

Holiday Craft Fair, 5 - 8 pm, Bayridge Elementary

1730 142nd Street, Surrey BC

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday Season,

warmest regards,

Megan Baecker

(former yet still in my heart toscana girl)

Images courtesy of www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com my newest favorite blog :)

The Very Best of Versace for H&M

2011-10-24T14:09:00.001-07:00

The Very Best of Versace for H&M by meganbaecker featuring knee high dresses

Desiring a pop!

2011-09-15T10:47:00.001-07:00

Desiring a pop! by meganbaecker featuring silk tops

Fall Wishes

2011-08-31T18:56:00.001-07:00

Seemingly silly.... I am madly in love with the old "love it, hate it" game. As a child I would sit and flip through magazines at the hair dresser and decide "hate it or love it" to each item on each page. My favorite was the thick Sears catalogs! I have passed this same game on to my daughter and it passes the time very speedily; especially during the "I'm bored" moments. It has blossomed into crafting moments of collage, lovely, but my magazines were running out. Then I discovered Polyvore, a website dedicated to collage! Groupings that my daughter and I can work on together or not... ha ha ha. Below is my fall wishes. Let's underscore the wishes part as my budget by no means could support my taste!

I still am not too sure what is hot or not this fall but I am loving rich browns and splashes of peridot and kelly greens!

Fall Wishes by meganbaecker featuring jersey tops

Summer...Already? Where??

2011-07-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

So I can hardly believe that months have flown by and I have not blogged a word...yes my world is full of the silly and well...let's be honest wasteful meanderings (not the kid loving and necessary stuff...just the home decor stuff!) Summer seems a fleeting and not really here so I decided to enliven my space at home. My all time favorite is making pillow covers because...well let me be honest I love change. Nothing is quicker than a little cushion cover switch over.

I stumbled across a lovely vignette downtown at "The Cross" www.thecrossdesign.com and was instantly transported back to spring 2010 Ralph Lauren's "la plage" collection www.ralphlaurenhome.com and my stomach did a flip. So my home has been highlighted in blues.

.Wishing I could get my hands on the Ralph Lauren Fabric I had to smack my own hand as the price tags for similar was well...atronomical. Instead, I regulated myself to the clearance sections and pieced together my own blue hues.

Now off to create cushions for my Mom...she picked up red and cream toile! I love it, should take an afternoon. Next thing to tackle...french seams and bloomer pants for my little girl.

And Time Flies...Seriously!!

2010-10-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

Back from a whirlwind that was the Highpoint Funiture Show in Highpoint, NC. Wow!! I definately saw items that made me drool...but alas the sofa and antique salvage angel wings would not fit in my carry on! Sigh. Where would they live ? Well for a sectional filled with down and upholstered in soft linen and accessorized with studs I could throw anything away!! The angel wings...well who cares if they are bigger than my seven foot dining table...I would lean them on my walls! ha ha ha. My favorite company other than antiques 2k http://www.antiques2k.com/ was Pennisula Home http://www.phcollection.com/ looking to see where this company can be purchased locally...wow...all Lovely!!

So the hottest trends showing were:

French & more french but with a beige, white, cream, subtle blue enveloped in chocolate warmth.

http://www.tarashaw.com/

Grey...grey everywhere...trying to embrace this but honestly...I only like to look at it! The tables were all too distressed for a mother to not cringe that food and crumbs would become embedded.

http://www.aidangrayhome.com/

Luxury european styled fabrics for beds, pillows and tabletop.

http://www.aidangrayhome.com/

I was hoping for a little more wild inspiration and came up without any. Sigh. Maybe another time.

As for the home front I am staring at fabric remnants that need to become a Narnia costume... oh what do I agree to. Let's just say my straight line sewing is definately about to be challenged. Off to tackle the laundry and I promise a more tantalizing post next week. Unfortunately one week away has set me back three weeks it seems!!

how the thanksgiving table turned out :) leaves & flowers from the yard and thinks I had around :) :) Pinecones for placecards :) :) What a whirlwind & am I ever thankful for those who don't care that I waste precious minutes doing things like this!

And the week has gotten away with me...but this is the craft and recipe I did do!! ha ha ha

2010-10-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week. I would like to say that I am on top of things but no...I am not. I have had a week where I have forgotten to show up at a planned meeting. Went late and then fluked out to pick up my daughter 8 minutes late from an early dismissal day, panicked about my mound of untouched ironing and have been in the throws of potty training. Potty Training sigh...my floors have felt the penetration of more bleach than my hands can stand! ha ha ha.

So this week I found myself staring at plain boring pillowcases and thought... Oh No! These are for the furniture show I am working on next week at Highpoint. Hmmm... I decided they need ruffles!! Stella Bleu (local home decor store) was so awsome and lent me some pillows for a photo shoot I staged for local furniture company Antiques 2k and the Stella Bleu pillows have sigh...lovely ruffles. So there I sat staring at the plain white inexpensive Ikea cushion covers and it hit me!! I will add the ruffles myself to give flounce and well a little adorableness...is that a word. Now in all honesty... I can only sew a moderately straight line so if anyone else likes this...YOU CAN DO IT!!

So I took apart a plain white old crib bed skirt and gave it a slight ruffle. Folded, Cut and now pinned to the pillowcases in three layers. I think it has worked! This evening I will add a little stitch and I think I will have accomplished greatness well...more great than plain white. The big ones with the ruffled flounce will be attempted tonight...wish me luck and a straighter stitch! ha ha ha.

Thanksgiving!! Is it this weekend??? I am focused on setting the table tonight as I have now sorted out my menu. I will be on the hunt to decorate with a little creativity. I hope you enjoy my inspiration pictures from Martha Stewarts always fabulous website. http://www.marthastewart.com/ . I am thinking hydrangea's cut from my Father-in Laws bush, brown ribbons, pinecones as place card holders and the paper rolled out with the kids colouring leaf motifs I can draw on. hmm... I like the paper on the table shot above with the cut fringe.

Recipes... So I hit my favorite food website http://www.epicurious.com/ and have come up with the official meal plan.

Organic Turkey stuffed with herbs and a good dose of butter and sage under the skin.

Stuffing (Baked on the side)

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potatoe Pie

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Lemon Pie & Cherry Tarts (Because the pumpkin pie filling was all sold out at Walmart yesterday! Ha ha ha)

Now this is not the one I planned for this week but more relevant to this weekend

heat oven to 350

wash brussel sprouts & quarter

lay on cookie sheet

Drizzle with Olive oil

Sprinkle with Kosher Salt

Add chopped bacon or procuttio

Roast in oven till veg tender & bacon slighly crispy

Remove and tinfoil tray.

Reheat in oven while Turkey rests :)

Toss into serving bowl and add salt & pepper to taste

Drizzle with about 2 tbsp of whipping cream

Voila... Lazy girl brussel sprouts.

Psst... I normally do NOT like brussel sprouts but with bacon anything is brilliant!! ha ha ha

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Style…and well my apparent lack of interest is only a time constraint. Here it goes...

2010-09-30T09:16:00.001-07:00

Style...that thing that I admire when a woman or man walks by with an air of sophistication, a subltle whisper of uniqueness or an overall "put together" look. I feel that same "aahhh" moment when I look at pictures of lovely homes, endless rolls of fabrics and art (even the stuff I don't like). Line it all up, stack it up, basically add any sort of uniformity or repetition of colour and I drool! I like understated not overt "crazy" pieces that just don't work and thus they do. Does that make sense?

So the items I covet with all my soul are as "tim gunn" would say...THE BASICS. ha ha ha. (any one else still watching re-runs of project runway??? How does Heidi stay that unbelievable perfect and am I the only person who thinks the judges are perfectly opinionated??!! I love it!) So my secret obession is to check out clothing on the internet because shopping with babes in tow is the worst experience ever! My youngest bolts out and my eldest's eyes glaze over...hmmm... And for the honesty... I like my figure but truthfully it looks better in clothes than naked, I know now that fit is the most important thing and that I don`t look good in any cheap material because it SHOWS more flaws than it hides. (I might as well run around naked it would at least look interesting. Knee slap! Promise I won`t) Sigh... for the days of cheap ensembles and still looking great I yearn. BUT I can shop smart and love the things I own but it must now be about fit! So here are my current faves...

Dream Shoes: Louboutin! Voted best luxury line for the last three years...seriously lovely!! Reality: Knock off's from Guess...they look the same..just no red soles!! I can live!! Price difference...750.00 less! Okay with me!! no red bottom, I will live!! Besides...where do I even go with these shoes...hmmm..Cielo's?

Boots:Frye well...just Frye...No major alternative here but I also like Steve Madden, Sabra boots in black . Check out our local Zig Zag price difference is about 250 less!! Michael Kors also has some dynamite boots this season.

Bag: Marcia Medium Chloe. Need I say more...approx 1950 retail...It is just not happening! Reality: An awsome bag I picked up at Winners!! or my latest bag from Paris :) just a little cutie! Once again I can reference Michael Kors as having great bags this season...I think I might just be in love with his collections this Fall. They are real and just sigh...gorgeous wrapped in casual, stylish comfort!

Little Black Dress: Guess!! Michael Kors! Love the one shoulder dress best! What it does not show in the picture is that his dresses have LOTS of FABRIC that layers and hangs just perfectly! http://www.michaelkors.com/ Reality: Hunt Winners or the Sale Rack at Jack & Jill clothing (that's where I got my one shoulder MK awsomeness!) Norstrom or anywhere he is sold. Go for it!!

Overcoat: Any major Designer!! Reality: Canadian Designer Elroy. http://www.shopelroy.com/ I just picked this bad boy up at a Design and Art show at the Rocky Mountain Train Station in Vancouver for a steal!

Trench Coat: Anthropologie! http://www.anthropologie.com/ Navy and with ruffles...I love Ruffles. Reality: Superstore or Banana Republic or http://www.jessicasimpsoncolletion.com/

Halloween Favorite décor ideas, Recipe! Next Thursday!

I could go on forever but that will be another late night shopping vicariously through my wish bag!

A little Tea Party...hmmm.

2010-09-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Well what is a mother to do when she is asked with batting eyelashes to have a tea party? hmm.... she says "okay" then she realizes...wait that's today's play date??!!! Arrgh!! So out little Tate & I ran to pick up a few things and then well on to the mad decorating dash while the little Tate napped. Whew.

Steps of a whirlwind.

Plan! I set up the events, make a little card telling the little darlings what is happening.

Set the table ...well with crafts and flowers and whatever is on hand :)

Let the girls go wild!

Completed. Check!

Back in Action!!

2010-06-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Wow... Here I am! Returning from the pits of the real estate course...just have to tackle that exam now and whew finished. So I just have returned from a two week European visit; I feel rejuvinated and pulsating with creativity. Thank goodness! I must say that the batteries are over flowing!

Favorite things from Paris:

Scarves!! Oh my...sigh...Love them on Men, Love them on Women and yes I even saw one on a dog! Ha ha ha!

Painted Doors! Fabulous colours on neutral palettes... I am almost ready to pass off my blacked entry but hmm...that's a lot of sanding.

Old and New! Mixes of the old a new absolutely everywhere. Colour punched in to antique spaces and neutrals resting in modern vignettes.

Favorite things from Germany:

Kitchen Gadgets: Alessi of course...everywhere, shiny and oh so lovely! Garbage sorters that are to die for and so compact under the sink! Vac u Vin! Yes I have heard of it, read about it but NOW I HAVE IT! ha ha ha This is great...my wine will be chilled in but moments and my champagne bubbles will never die!

Hand held Hedge Trimmers! What?...yes light weight, adorable, rechargable and well let's be honest, perfect boxwood balls are to be mine!

Castles! Sigh...wish I was a princess... but alas I must settle to be but a fair maiden...knee slap!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Clear Out!!

2010-02-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Whew... It's a clear out! EVERYTHING IS BEING TAGGED AND MARKED TO THE BOTTOM!! I absolutely love it! I find it invigorating and well...FUN! How can one not love the bargains...yes, a home decor loving girl like me LOVES DEALS & STEALS and it is so exciting. I think somewhere I am supposed to feel sad but it just hasn't happened yet...still to come in an overwhelming cover yourself with a duvet quilt type of way! I will take that day...just not right now. So I am enjoying this and I must admit... the prices are crazy crazy good!! yahoo!!

So here I am about to go run and get myself a coffee...I hope this does not aggrevate too many people...but my luck with coffee makers is GONE! I have sucessfully broken every one I own and the one I own in the back of the shop too!! ha ha ha!! So funny!

The Clean up....Seriously!

2010-02-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

So it's Wednesday...the activity day in my household. I dread this day, I am sure that every mother,wife, girl has that one day a week that everything is well...ON THE MOVE! A morning of dressing the babes, baking muffins (okay insert crazy here) rounding up 100 stuffed toys for "hey mom, while the muffin is being munched...it's 100 day at school" REALLY??!!! Okay... so the kids are loaded, brushed, jacketed and packed. Off to school, mad dash to the grocery store for the "oops no diapers" and then to soccer class with the little man. Completed...back home *sigh* quick cuddles and kisses then off to WORK! Goodness...at least I am throwing a coffee down the hatch while I write this (read ...yes...coffee makers, including back up...all broken)

Sitting looking around I think hmm...time to clean up this joint! Honestly...just a lot of dusting and batches of cleaning. I AM ON IT! TODAY IS THE DAY! I am hoping if I write it...it will actually come true. I'll let you know later how it progresses! Yup...activities do not cease... after work it will be a quick dinner and the DANCE class which unfortunately has taken a back burner to sickness at my home. While the darling dances I will run to do my groceries. So hopefully it will all end well and I will find myself later submerged in the real estate course. Hmm... Man alive am I every just h0ping to fall into bed!! I think the one below from the Designers Guild will do nicely. I must redo my bedroom..Wow...do the projects ever cease??

So the whole point of this blog? It's Wednesday! I have a love hate relationship with Mr. Wednesday...by the end I fall to bed satisfied and feeling loved and seriously looking forward to tomorrow...any one else?? ha ha ha.

Dining room picture by India Hicks...LOVE IT!!

Valentine's Day...sigh

2010-02-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Okay... Honestly...I do not LOVE Valentine's day. I found that it is definately a holiday that is commercial, full of unfufilled wishes, subpar expensive dinners (if you can get a reservation) and well...for new lovers(yes, your brain may think "man alive...she is cynical!!) If you have a partner that makes it all that!! Then well...I am jealous and more than willing to eat my words just for you!!! ha ha ha But seriously... has any other fresh flower loving girl ever noticed that roses jump from 12.99 to 39.99!!! I am not naming any names but shame on you grocery store!! So what's a girl who loves to decorate & celebrate do?? I've now officially made it a family holiday! For the last few years I have been decorating and cooking my heart out for those that mean the most to me, my handsome husband, darling daughter and adorable baby boy!

This year...It's chocolate and pale pink! Yes!! pink, pink, pink, and more pink! I am going to have to go outside and snip down the plum blossom's for a dynamic centerpiece...hopefully warm water will start the bloom! I have the most adorable chocolate and pink striped/polkadot ribbons to wrap on my chocolate linen napkins. Little gifts are purchased for all my loved ones and will sit in adorable bags on each place setting. I am so excited!! The menu is planned... we will begin with smiles and laughter then move to lamb shank and creamy calorie filled mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, butter and whipping cream...then on to a lovely heart shaped chocolate cake stuffed with whipped cream and raspberries and drizzled with chocolate ganache...Yum!! So here it goes!

Pictures...Martha Stewart of course...more to come when I am all set up!!

Paint the town....White???

2010-02-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Okay... so the big scene I am seeing every where is WHITE...A little parisian chic but mostly hot, modern and lovely white! I am inspired and feeling refreshed everytime my eyes rest on this loveliness!

Hot hot hot...Mix it in with the pieces you have and WOW Fresh! I have always liked white but I have never never thought that I would be craving it in this dimension. Currently the shop is being filled with my favorites...white, cream, black, white and well bold hits of green. Lovely painterly modern art and sigh...let's face it... it's dreamy when mixed with cream and subdued shades of weathered grey, and subtle beige.

And...well I am also loving florals...I mean LOVING!! How can this possibly be? I cannot seem to get enough of garden pictures...I have planted a side garden bed with rows upon rows of white tulips...the heads are up and hmmm...I can barely wait for the results!

www.designersguild.com
www.eighteenkarat.com

It's a New Beginning..and I just read a great BOOK!!

2010-01-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's a new beginning...but one that I am immensely looking forward to! My transition from "Toscana Girl" to "Real Estate Girl" is make me quake with trepidation...Yes...uncertainty and thankfully a little excitement. I suppose the only think to do is jump...right?? So with my little chicklets hands in mine and my handsome husband's support I am jumping.

I have ordered and received my Real Estate Course. Whew! That is a big book with no fabulous decorating ideas or exciting travel adventures. Hmmm...with a glass of champagne I cracked it open last night and was pleasantly surprised... I think I can do this. I am sure you all know that the glass of champagne was a little version of me trying to be flippant and to help with the courage to open the big book...I really was fearful that it would all read in some foreign language that I could never decipher and I would be sunk! Okay...seriously I am definately going to be able to do this!

I started this endevour by first reading local realtor Sarah Daniels new "Welcome Home: Insider Secrets for Buying or Selling Your Property"... okay the book is truthful, honest and I LOVED IT! If you are planning to sell your home or buy your first home you need to read this...or at the bare minimum the chapter on Financing (figuring out how much you can actually afford) and Staging (setting up your house to sell...she says clean every corner and she's right). http://sarahdaniels.ca/ but I am not sure where to get the book...just be annoying call her and ask!! ha ha ha no don't... well...why not?? But I think it's available at www.amazon.ca .

Now of course... I am all about setting up my little office niche at home! Ha ha ha.. of course of course I never never stop!! So enjoy my assortment of lovely office images... I will keep you posted with what I end up creating!!

All the best & a happy Wednesday! megan

Ps. Pictures are from all over the web!

Sigh... As the world turns...my head spins!

2010-01-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

Sigh...it's a dismal January and I am typing surely to explode some life into this monotone gray world.

(photo...India Hicks,Domino Magazine)

Toscana is sadly not sold...wishing some one would carry on this fabulous Toscana Girl legacy...I love what the shop stands for "Decorate with what you love!". Surely I have never been one to follow trends and everything in my home does indeed collect memories and is truly part of my soul. So as I looked at my house now void of all Christmas decor...I quickly whipped out my fan deck of colours and voila...have picked a few new additions... the spackle is drying as I have filled all the dents and numerous picture holes. That's it!! My gloomy downstairs hallway is going a creamy white and yes...I think the trim will remain white...but those doors...well... I am working up the confidence to paint those bad boys a muted shade of black. I have discussed this with my husband a few years back and received a NO! Now...he thinks the idea is close to brilliant! Thanks Canadian House & Home Maganzine for actually showing the idea last month. Now...to address that issue of storage...I am trying to come up with something...wish me luck.

(photo elle decor...I want this look!!!How FAB)

As for the rest of the house....I NEED FLOWERS!! Yup I have decided a couple of yellow and red flowers might just rock my world (but let's face it...I always bring home white! *wink*)...not too mention the re-instating of my favorite ochre cushions and vases. The next thing is to explode a little white and french moments into my family room.

(photo not sure this one but wow...HOT)

Whew...Here goes project central. Watch out January...I am going lighten and brighten you like never before!

Santa Baby...All I want is some sleep... oh...and some trinkets from Tiffany's ha ha ha!!

2009-12-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

So maybe I am kidding about the Tiffany's trinkets...maybe not...but definately I would love some sleep. I am sure that I am not the only girl out there that is just wishing for another set of hands, another hour to run here and there, some spare time to just cuddle the kids and hubbie and maybe one minute to say whew!! So here I type the inevitable necessary next thing on my little brain...Table settings! Fantastic...one down...three more to go! So how does my little brain work. Food plan check, groceries check, drinks check, table top...hmmm...

Some of my favorite ideas that are well may I say fun fabulous and frugal???!!! (seriously at no time did I mean to have them this way but I like to spend every dime extra on weird things like...FANTASTIC FLOWERS!!!)

1) Using Everyday Items: I love juice glasses or tea cups lined down the table as vases and t-light holders. Fill them with cranberries, fresh greens, full headed blooms....oh lovely!! I also love silver or white or assorted tea pots for a fun twist as vases. Try setting every medium and small glass vase you have down the middle and fill with fresh greens and flowers, throw some tea lights down and wow...I promise the abundance of the flowers might just make this your favorite moment of "pulling it together" :) *wink*.

2) Out Side of the Box: No seriously!! I have used wrapping paper, tree ribbon, and once fancy paper from Michael's to line my table with a decorative fabulous table runner. Use them the short way, long way, weave them or just pull out the pinking shears and layout some fabric. I promise with tea lights and candles and flowers...all the options look fabulous and refresh the everyday white table cloth. Don't forget to use the paper to make matching place cards...ribbon will work as napkin rings too!!

3) Something Natural: I love bringing in pine cones to use as place card holders and adding a few to my juice glass flower arrangements. I try to make each place setting special...(this year I sadly have omitted but promise to do it again on New Years) with a small note to each person or something nice written about them. My absolute favorite is adding fruit to glass vases or as placecard holders (around stem). Apples and pears are unbelievably sweet.

merry christmas!!
toscana girl...megan
pictures are from www.bhg.com, www.marthastewart.com

Holidays, musings on a few lovely things

2009-12-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's officially the Holidays! Yahoo! I am excited every morning! Seriously! Don't groan... I know that my husband does..can you imagine waking to my exhuberance every day...seriously I give him credit. Okay. Back to the topic. I love the crisp air, the lights and the scent of greenery.

I love watching the Christmas decorations slowly dwindle down in the shop and getting to come up with new exciting displays! So I thought I would take the time to share a few of the most inspiring ideas I have seen this year and well a few timeless faves that I can never tire of looking at. So yes...this is yet another tribute to Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/ and Better Homes and Gardens http://www.bhg.com/ .

Can a girl not love the white stockings and delicious bows. I actually ripped this idea off this year and cut up some ivory toile fabric I had kicking around and made bows! They are now in my tree, and on my outside door wreaths (this year I just took my tired fake wreaths and tucked in fresh greens and tied huge droopy country bows. FABULOUS), up the stairwell railing, and on every mantle. Aaahhh.. A little country chic! I have always wondered how I was going to work the Toile in, I will be so sad to take it down...but hey...I still have hmm...about 24 days. So the basics of the bows are...cut long strips about 3 inches long and cut with pinking (I think that's what they are called) shears to prevent too much fraying. Keep the scraps to add to presents. I am on the hunt for white wrapping paper to ensure that I can wrap bands of the toile fabric over white fabric and garnish with a bow in gold and some tucked in greens. Worse case I will have to use gold paper and white ribbon...hmm.. any suggestions for where to find the paper email me at toscana8@telus.net I am always on the hunt for the best deal! :) Okay on to the next batch of lovlies!

Wrapping! So every year... I like most women I know, I like the wrapping to match my tree. Well maybe....only I do this...It can't be so! So the next picture is close to my heart but unfortunately does not match a thing I do! http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/wrap-it-up#slide_13 up#slide_13 for the link to the computer templates. Love that computer printer! I am thinking that one could just wrap and print the letters on stickies?? Maybe in a little chocolate?? Or...I will have to store in the idea bank and wait for my white and red tree with black satin bows that exists in my imagination. ha ha ha...honestly...I can see the tree and the packages in my family room but don't tell my husband...He'll see it next year! ha ha ...knee slap! On to the gallery of my faves! Happy Holidays!

My next blog will be table setting! MY FAVORITE THING EVER!! Ho ho ho!!

Decking the Halls!

2009-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

Tis the season...hmmm...drat those flyers! One came in the house and with glee my angel clasped her hands together and exclaimed "It's Christmas Mama!! Let's put my tree up!". How can one refuse...her tree is small. I thought not a big deal. Let's do it!

Sure enough the baby was in diapers showing me where he thought the tree should live and voila!! ...next thing I know the big tree is out and the lights are being strung!

Oh My! The world is being bedazzled, well as fancy as this rustic girl gets!! So here it goes... decorating with chicklets...can I even remember how it is supposed to go? Well...first Mommy rule...help unpack the stuff! So there we are...Tate got prepared and dug in...throwing around every ornament he could get his little grubby hands on! Whew. Good news is that we only lost one of the beautiful amber balls and his decision to chuck pine cones at the tree actually ended up looking good! ha ha ha. My darling Emma of course added her bits including her hand crafted ornaments. I think the toilet paper roll is my absolute fave! Some people are going to cringe but honestly I think its beyond fabulous!! This year she has very carefully drawn angels on three rolls and they are placed with great care in the family room on the mantle. Did I mention how close one has to look to see the angels? You walk in the room and ta da!! Toilet paper rolls...new trend?? ha ha ha.. knee slap!
Of course I had to keep going so the PJ's were place on the babe, no more naked decorating...too chilly even though man I love watching chubby little bodies get into trouble! So we tackled my front entry urn and Emma set up all the lovely trees we have. She did a great job! I was so very pleased. I am no where near finished this year so stay tuned for more and more!

Desperately missing my decorating partner in crime, Ulli...I am seeking a gorgeous glass of champagne and some seriously creative inspirations! My next blog and pics will be me tackling the front door...hmmm I have a picture in my head! Is it wrong to paint the door just for the holidays...unfortunately yes... I think it is!

The art of the Boo!

2009-10-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

It's hallowe'en and I am feeling at a loss for decorating...much more interested in the upcoming holiday season. Can we say...ah-choo! Sparkles galore! Yet...one must not forget my favorite past time of doing incredibly time consuming silly things when I have much much more important things to do! So... here it goes... Do what every girl does faced with endless hours of NO FREE TIME! (yes..holiday pricing and planning at Toscana...hmmm...where can I get my hands on peach envelopes for the sale mailer...is black wrong?? ha ha ha okay I digress) So a girl with no free time hits http://www.marthastewart.com/ and walmart/dollar store for spider webs in a bag.

Pumpkin Carving! Who doesn't love to carve pumpkins? Ahh...back to my youth and volunteering (the days of "for fun" not for the sake of networking, does one really understand the networking component at 20? Was it really appropriate for me to swill martini's while being interviewed by Malcom Perry?? Hey..really I didn't know the magnitude of "who" he was then!) for the Vancouver Art Galleries Black and Orange Ball! We had a blast creating pumpkin lanterns en masse! Carve 60 pumpkins...how...hmmm... The beauty of the drill bit! Yes multiple sized holes drilled all over pumpkins creates the most beautiful lanterns a girl has ever seen! Can you believe that the VAG let us light those things? ha ha ha. Thank goodness for Martha Stewart even then! (Honestly...back in the day I kept my Martha love very quiet. Not sure that the power suits surrounding me would understand the little girl in her first "real job" spouting "Martha"ism's) So get creative with your pumpkins..just be sure to do as I do... just the basics and let the kids go crazy! It's much more fun and hmm..yes I let the chicklets pick where there pumpkins live then I casually throw my glistening lanterns around! hmmm...I am definately crazy!

Decorating the Easy way! Yes the easiest decorating possible ...The White Sheet! Ironing is optional (ha ha ha). So deck your side board with a few cake plates or shoe boxes and cover that bad boy with a sheet! Set up pumpkins and gords on top of your little boxes with the kids. Add a vase full of sticks from the garden! Strew your sticks with the spider webs and wow...spooky has hit your house and I promise the kids will think they are the most fabulous decorators!

Lighting it up! So if you are like me you normally invite people over for a few bites and for the kids to go treating with friends...(this year some one actually invited me over to there house whew! Highheels and a costume here I come) Funny thing...I don't really like ghouls, nor goblins so I told my daughter that Hallowe'en is a neighbour hood party. Hmmm...Well if I can keep the television off this week it might actually prevent nightmares! Set up the tidbits early and light candles in the kitchen...why...hmm I am not sure but it looks cool and it does get dark early! Light up the porch and dining room with pumpkin lanterns Voila... If you like to get a little more crazy check out Martha's chandalier idea...personally a few cobwebs and the chandalier on dim works too!

Okay! Hallowe'en is done and I can move on to the scary part....Christmas! Eeeeek! All pictures are from Martha Stewart's website.

Pies in a Jar?? Had to try it!

2009-09-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

So my world has been turned upside down lately and not too sure what to do with myself... as sleep is not really coming easy...I decided to do what every girl who loves being homey does... I tried my hand at baking... but being me...hmmm... I tried making pies in jars...Gotta Love that "not Martha" blogger from Seattle...So I pulled out my canning jars...a can of cherry pie filling (no way was I trying this with hours and hours of pie filling effort too!) and my no fail "basic pastry" recipe from John Bishop's Cooking at Home cookbook. One day I will take a picture of this book! It is my kitchen diary for everyday cooking and is written all over by both myself and children's scribbles *wink*

The fabulous idea: Making individual pies in jars that you can freeze, remove top and bake with dinner for fresh individual pies for the kids at dinner... Sounded like a winner.

The reality: I whipped out my pie crust recipe and started! Whew... A little mixing, a little rolling, a little chilling & voila! Pie crust. I only made enough for two crusts... one total top and bottom pie. I would suggest doubling for all the effort. I then artfully opened the can of cherry pie filling Ah ha! Eureeka...tasty stuff! Man alive, I am fabulous! ha ha ha Then for the tricky part... Assembly!... Honestly.. I gave up trying to figure out how to get the dough into the jar artfully and just eyed a circle...cut out triangle wedges in four opossite corners to limit the amount of dough I was failing trying to get in the little jars. Well... it worked. I then lidded and sealed with a top crust with little shapes cut out and then sealed with the lids and froze... to be tasted another day... I used the extra filling in tart shells from the freezer so the kids could enjoy while my experiment was under watch. The end... I threw the opened jars in the oven at 375 for 22 minutes and then... The adorable things came out PERFECT! They even just slipped on to the plate in the perfect little jar shape! FYI... Use oven mitts... I am definately not brilliant when excited! I even could flip the adorable pies to be right side up! FANTASTIC! I will be repeating this crazy exercise soon!

Next... Here I come...bacon cups! Yes you heard me.... That "Not Martha" girl is one smart cookie! But I must add the ultimate final word... I LOVE MARTHA STEWART!!! *wink*

Wow....Did I really just go Camping & Miss a Fabulous Jewellery Party?

2009-08-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

So my handsome husband and I packed up our tent and babies and went camping...

I actually closed the shop for a weekend...aaahhh!! Wow is that ever scary! Huge amounts of product arrived Wednesday afternoon & Thursday Morning... I stayed up painting and wall papering the shop to 5am just to get things completed....I was so excited that I left 4 boxes from my many new boxes unpackaged and left at exactly my promised exit time. Never have I ever left the store with unpacked boxes (I even missed a very promising jewellery party that sigh.. I was craving an enamelled bracelet from) See the gorgeous picture.. only downfall was that I wanted to see it in person and try it on my bony big wrists. The line is Stella & Dot.. TO DIE FOR!! Sigh... only available at house parties...hmmm...maybe I should have one at Toscana...if you can't wait... www.stelladot.com/scarlett

Camping... it was a 4 hour drive to the "sunny" okanagon...which by wrong exits & turns took us about 6 hours to drive... full of chuckles for me the passenger and I am sure now amusing to my handsome driver in a past tense kind of way! It was a drizzly damp miserable weather experience that did not bode well for my gingham, wildflower bouquet and tied cutlery with bows moments for which I had packed & carefully planned. Yes, in my silly world I had cutlery wrapped in bows and matching my "NOT WATERPROOF" tablecloth and a vase packed for those "wild flowers" and candles and matching tealights. How silly it seemed while we cooked in the pouring rain...but truthfully...the napkin wrapped and bow tied cutlery was FABULOUS and handy when grabbing and running for cover.

Our carefully planned dining menu was adjusted to the quickest items which we could cook and eat while huddled in our tent. It was lovely to laugh by lantern light and infuse our souls with the presence of pure family. The morning light came bringing sunshine and sigh...we headed home.

A glimpse at Toscana Girl ... Me.. Megan

2009-07-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

I thought for once I would let every one have a glimpse of me! I am always writing about home style but how about showing a little of my own crazy style.

I do not have the nicest house on the block... a fact, that I am okay with (minus the adorable grey and white cottage with window boxes and white flowers...man! I hate driving in and thinking "it's soo cute! arrgghh!!") Our home is thirty years old and my husband and I are constantly trying to pay for the things that are "wrong" with it...exterior walls, gutters, yard, roof, drainage, water heater, appliances and more to come. Often we laugh that we never buy anything that we can actually sit and admire... but I have been known to caress my oven (Christmas present) and washing machine (baby present) with a glass of champagne in hand. Ridiculous? No way! These ones actually work!! My previous ones only worked when they were in the mood! Can you imagine cooking for Sunday family dinner of eight guests and voila! the oven is in a bad mood, beeps incessently and flashes H3LP!! No! Really!! So now you know my secret appliance infatuation...it is a love for all things German made, particularly named Meile. Silky to the touch, shiny to the eye, eco-efficient and always willing to co-operate. Did I mention also married a German? ha ha ha!

My home is full of items aquired over time and most have a little history; found items (read side of the road grabs), garage sales, family hand me downs (seriously...Toscana Girl Ulli loves to purge! She tosses the best stuff to the curb and her fabulous husband stores it aside and asks me if I have room for the poor unloved item... My answer is always YES!), carefully saved for purchases, and also the occasional items I have broken at the shop and had to buy. Honestly, I have broken lots! My one piece that haunts me is that I am still hunting for that elusive dining room chandalier.

She mixes a strong base of white with found objects and punches of tropical

Designer Feature - Thomas O'Brian "the art of Living not staging"

2009-07-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Okay.. I am in "crush" I would say love but I'm still in the intense moment that preceeds true love and well... it's not with my husband, nor a man per say... it's with a "STYLE". Through the archives and design magazines I scour; I have been collecting tidbits here and there and unbeknownst to myself they have all been from one designer! I am serious... I have a picture of a chair that I have taped to the back door at the shop & a pillow and a living room and a kitchen, all collected seperately and wow... they are all creations of Thomas O'Brian.

Yes! He is cute, but he is better than that! He transcends the "decorated feel" and creates true living spaces. Ones in which I would kick off my shoes, grab a book from the coffee table and puruse it while cuddling my children. I imagine my husband happily making us lunch in the supurbly outfitted kitchen that has no snobbery only a collection of the beautifully useful. side note... I am on mission to slowly (as finances allow) create this style of kitchen and well whole home.

I wish for us all to live in spaces surrounded by couches that cuddle back, fabrics that feel like a caress, books who tell the lovliest stories and items that whisper memories. I think we should all be surround by that which we have collected over a lifetime of living. Items such as books, rocks, found shells, dishes and art which constantly remind us of where and with whom we've shared our moments. Yes I am flowery and sentimental today, but I truly admire spaces that don't feel too "Designed or decorated". I like things!... most would call them junk and the kinder people call them accessories but they fill my cupboards and when I bring them out they warm my soul.

I am sure that in this world us Toscana girls are not the only ones whom crave the creature comforts of life while surrounded by beauty. This man has created spaces that are in my absolute favorite pallette of white, cream and my passion Chocolate! Other spaces are layered in charcoal, black, and white completely Toscana girl Ulli! He has also blended the feel of modern style with traditional elements to a level that is beyond both looks yet still tangible and real. His storefront Aero, in SoHo New York, exudes high style carressed by a slight glimpse of a human soul.

Thomas O'Brian's website is http://www.aerostudios.com/ . He has created collections for both Bloomingdales and Target. Wow! Talk about real and fabulous!

Pictures are from Country Home, Domino, Elle Decor, and all scoured from the many websites paying this man hommage.

http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/inside-design/inside-design-thomas-o-brien/a/1803 for more information about Thomas O'Brian!

Picture of O'Brian by Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

Summer!

2009-06-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

It’s summer and that means time to freshen, brighten & lighten up our homes! Toscana girl Megan is having an “in love moment” with green, hmm better yet lets call it Chartreuse. The shop is decked out in lush hues of green!

Top 5 Hot Summer Ideas:

One: Dress your deck up with a formal white table cloth and use planters for center pieces. Got an old table? Throw a formal white table cloth over it and cover the top with assorted clear juice glasses filled with tea-lights! Ta da! Gorgeous! Try tying inexpensive light weight white drapes to your arbor outside… Another fabulous white fabric moment, we promise!

Two: Tis the season for Lemons & Limes. Forget flowers! Fill your favorite large glass vases and bowls with lemons and limes! Use just one, or mix them up!

Three: Utilize your Garden! Use Hosta leaves as coasters or underneath food when serving on platters. Fill multiple vases/juice glasses with garden greens and any garden flowers for wild country bouquets. Group them together on your mantel, coffee table or dining table. They will be lovely!

Four: Colour Surge! Pick one colour, any colour. Take that colour and mix it with white. Start placing it throughout your home. Green is simple and works well with any décor. Follow the next steps with your chosen colour. Try fresh white flowers, our faves are Casablanca lilies or cannas lilies in the dining room and on the coffee table. Splurge on green cushion covers to go you’re your existing pillows. Change all candles to bright white. Place our some strategic white porcelain/ceramic accessories. Fluff out the white towels in the bathrooms. Wow… Summer Fresh…Did we mention… Megan is loving green right now?

Five: The box & bucket run! Where did we get that name from? Well… as the sun streams in Megan’s dirty windows (side note: in the entire time Megan has known Ulli, she has never seen a dirty window or surface at her house) she runs around with the bucket full of dish soap/squeegee & a box. Windows are washed and all knickknacks/cushions are stored in the box (let’s be honest…then transferred to the dining room table, Megan has a lot of knickknacksJ). At the end only a few are put out in new spots. Invigorated and soul satisfied Megan is surrounded by clean lines and sparkling windows. Aahhhh!

Pictures are from Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/ .... of course!! :)

The love of a Party!

2009-06-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Sunshine is filtering through my windows... a soft glow is infusing my soul! Summer time! I love the sunshine, the smell of fresh cut grass, and the way my feet get slightly damp from the dew in the morning while I water plants.

But my favorite part of summer is visits from friends and of course "It's the perfect excuse to have a party!" Every summer I convince my husband that a party is a necessity to celebrate life! I pretend each time that it will be "easy" and not a "big deal". This year I decided the party needed to be sooner rather than later and I would try to keep to the "no big deal" promise. The upcoming weekend it will be! I have my annual German guests visiting and I am a crazy person....figuring out the perfect food, theme and making my mile long to do list. Best time to have a party... when everyone is available! ha ha ha.

So....Theme!! hmmm... It's always better to start with a colour and I think red is going to be it for me! Red always is best either super modern or country.... That's it baby! I'm going country. I have sorted through my linen closet to find the perfect red & white check table cloth and black and white floral cushions. Quickly, I searched my favorite blogs and websites for an insipiring picture and ta da! Instantly the email invitation was born and a Country BBQ theme is perfect for the easiest party ever... Potluck! Yahoo! I nicely convinced my handsome husband to make us oodles of homemade sausage.(very popular with our friends and yes, fresh, natural and no preservatives or unpronouncable additives) Is it just me or do you hate eating things that you cannot pronounce too?

The decorationg ideas are running all over my brain: White lights in the trees, terracotta pots for flowers and sand tea-lights, hanging paper laterns in white, candle light everywhere, Raffia bows on all the pots...ooohhh even the cutlery, red napkins, white dishes and serving plates, dining room table outside! Wow! Whew... Where is the ice going to go? Am I doing a signature drink? hmm.. nope...beer and wine will suffice for country... right???

The luck of the.... Toscana Girl!! Must be the new saying! Seriously! Driving down the road I looked to the right and there they were! 14 small terracotta pots with a little sign saying FREE! hmmm.... AWSOME! One less trip to hunt for the little guys! 14... I'll make do! ha ha ha. I purchased some sweet little red roses and tied on a raffia ribbon. I love THEM! On the eve of the party... I managed to finish all the items on the to do list but the clouds threatened rain. Yipes! But the luck continued! I went to work; the rain did not come and my fabulous guests and husband tackled the party set up. Out went the dining table, up went the paper lanterns and twinkle lights. I came home shocked and delighted as they laid the linens! They did an awsome job! If I had known they were going to surprise me I would have sneakily left my Journal out with my diagrams and party wishes! ha ha ha! sigh... next party I will get all my cast iron out to light up the night too!!

The evening was a success as there was plenty of amazing food and people! Should I say that the other way around? Hmm.. a great big thank you to my fantastic family and friends. Without them... who needs a party!

Pics from Martha Stewart of course!!

The Guest Room - A little something special!

2009-05-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

I was over at Toscana girl Ulli's house tonight helping set up her guest room for her first European visitor and I realized!! AHHH!!! It's that time of year! My favorite German visitors will be on my door step in less than a 3 weeks. AHHH!! With the birth of my son I converted my guest room into a nursery (whole other topic not for today) and sort of did a dual guest/office room in my office. Honestly, the space is not working for me so I am about to re-vamp the terror that is my guest room/office. Give me strength! I must organize & purge! I have about a gazillion decorating magazines, books, fabrics and paint samples...not too mention actual paperwork too!! It is tucked away, but alway I pull it out and strew it everywhere while I piece together my design plans.

So here I am, taking stock of what "makes" a guest room. I need the space to be special, unique and still budget wise. With much pondering an tonnes of web surfing, and magazine flipping I have decided that the top five Toscana basics are: bedding, lighting, storage, ambiance, and a welcoming touch.

The bedding is always a funny thing with me. The first time I slept over at Toscana girl Ulli's house I was in heaven as I slipped into the sheets. What was so special ? The trillion dollar bedding? The gorgeous toss cushions? The touch me delicious throw? NOPE! She irons her sheets! I discovered that any sheets ironed are fantastic!! The absolute best feeling in the world...but of course I am a mommy of two and already have a pile of ironing that challenges the leaning tower of Pisa! (this is my Tuesday night chore as my friends know I always invite them over with promises of decadent treats, and or strong drinks. I can't understand why they always refuse! Who wouldn't want to watch my crazy ironing binge? So as always I am alone and with iron in hand can be found watching HGTV and that naughty Housewives of Orange County...it's definitely addicting to watch how horrible girls can be; but I digress) So I have learned to cheat! Wash your favorite guest sheets and take them out of the dryer still damp. Pop the fitted sheet damp on the bed and lightly spray or sprinkle with your favorite linen water/H2O mixture. It will dry on the bed as crisp and fresh as an ironed sheet with none of the effort. That only leaves ironing the top sheet and pillow cases. Fold the top sheet in half and iron one side while spraying linen water/H2O mixture. Open and remove ironed crease....you don't have to if you remember to fold the top half over the bottom half not side to side. (did that make sense??) Then proceed to starch and iron the pillowcases. Set all aside and do a quick cheat iron on the top of the duvet cover. Tip: If you use a heavy weight duvet cover the ironing is less. I prefer white sheets always! They just seem to go with every type of toss cushion and duvet that you can throw at them and they are super easy to clean. My favorite places to purchase linens are: Winners, Superstore, Zellers, and Homesense. I love a deal on sheets and duvets. Then I feel that I can always justify the toss cushions to co-ordinate.

Lighting is key as it helps to energize your guests and also allow them to create a cozy space for "down time" Overhead lighting is for everyday and lamps beside the bed are perfect for reading. If the room has natural light all the better. A night light in the hall or bathroom helps guest find the loo without harming themselves.

Try to have some storage for your guests belongings. A dresser is perfect for them to tuck away clothing, and to put personal items on top. Make sure that your closet also has room for them to hang clothes...Subtle way of me saying "don't have it chalked full of your winter wardrobe". Try to put out an extra chair so that your guests have a place to sit other than the bed.

I always need inspiration to begin creating "ambiance" and the pictures I have chosen here will be my starting point. Try something out of the ordinary that you love! Pull out your most colourful bedding and add a triage of colourful pots on top of the dresser. Paint a crazy picture for a headboard. Layer cozy items in the room, cushions, throws and a scented candle. I love to place fresh flowers and mist a little room spray.

It is important to me that my guests feel welcome. I do this by providing a tray filled with towels, soap, mini shampoo's and conditioners. (Yes, I do take these from hotel rooms on the rare occasions I am in one. Not too mention I do NOT want to share soap or body scrub with people other than my children and husband...maybe not even the husband ha ha ha!) If they are staying more than one night, I like to add a snack food, water glasses and bottled water for them to have. This let's them know that I like food...no seriously it keeps them from laying there at night thinking....man I am hungry! I could have a little snack but where oh where does she keep them??

So with my top five in hand I will be sitting in my guest room trying to piece it all together. I will need to get extremely creative this time round. The best thing for this constant procrastinator is to just tackle it! The only question is...how long to ironed sheets stay fresh?? ha ha ha.

I picked the pictures because they are random & lovely!! Pictures are from, Serena and Lily, Brocade Home, Anthropologie the store & designer Andrea Schroeder.

http:/www.serenaandlily.com http://www.brocadehome.com/ http://www.anthropologie.com/ http://www.andreaschroeder.com/

Sustinance for the Soul - The Power of the Family Dinner

2009-05-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day... one that I will not be forgetting soon... My wonderful husband acquired us a new family car to fit our growing family. Off to get coffee for the Soccer game, me and all my sweeties were happily driving along when wham! We were in a messy car accident. Thankfully THANKFULLY my intact little family emerged. We were shaken and somewhat bewildered. Did this really just happen to us? On Mother's Day? On the way to Starbucks? Down a regularly travelled street?

My hero of a husband checked each of us carefully, called his father and had us whisked home to safety. In my mind a cape was on his neck billowing in the wind, while he stood there completely composed and offering comfort to all around...even the other driver.

Our little shuttle arrived home. My adorable baby was oblivious to the accident and immediately began to run around...but my bruised and very upset little girl looked up at me and said nothing but... Can we still have our family dinner tonight? My mind instantly registered her need for Mother's Day to continue to establish normality. Not surprisingly this need centered around the most constant factor in her life..."the family dinner". Our regular Sunday dinner consists of the kidlets, my husband, mother-in-law/business partner, father-in-law and myself. Of course this must be continued, no matter what.

After a few cuddles and loves both kids were keen on offering their advice for the menu and added touches for decorating the table. (The baby's contribution included pulling all the items off the table, and my daughter offered advice for creating the salad) My husband made a lovely meal and Toscana girl Ulli showed up with a homemade apple pie. We sat down to a fantastic dinner. At which both my daughter and my son ate heartily and laughed alot.

Me... I just looked around and was so very thankful to have such love around me. Yes... my husband is my hero and I let my daughter have left-over apple pie for breakfast today, it just seemed fitting.

oh please!!! Gimmie Spring!

2009-03-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

I whole heartedly hope that gimmie gimmie does eventually get! Where is SPRING?? The primroses have been bursting in my urns for weeks and now I am terribly frightened that they will not survive the cold weather. Yes they have invaribly bursted into huge blooms... fantastic! The yellow petals are like liquid honey against the rain, fog, snow... hmmm. snow??

I can wait no longer and have thrown hits of blue, green, yellow, red & navy into the shop just so I can pretend! Spring Spring Spring. We have now a lovely assortment of colourful outdoor cushion covers and a little sample of lovely starfish and coral branches! Hello Hampton's beach resort at home! I think those Home Heist guys have mesmerized my brain patterns with their over the top wall paper selections. Maybe just that hideous bad taste brooch the blonde always pins on is wearing me down.

If the lovely little items had not happened soon I would be found wall papering large scale scandalous all over everything.

Please sunshine Stay!!

Pic is from www.bhg.com :)

Toscana Girl Megan !! :)

Valentines... our quiet holiday... shhh...

2009-02-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is the simplest and maybe lovliest holiday in my home. We make decorations, set a beautiful table, and have a lovely family dinner in front of a roaring fire.

Every year my daughter (and now one year old is helping) cuts pink, white or red hearts with her fancy sissors and decorates them to hang on our "holiday" tree. The holiday tree consists of curly willow coming out of a large black urn and base in my entry. It's a show stopper against the white wall but my favorite part is that my children get to be creative and "show off" their crafts. The best is every morning I walk down the stairs and smile. This year the biggest grin is over a small turtle drawn in the tip of a heart, "just because it belongs there" says little Emma.

We make the evening special by setting the coffee table in the main living room for dinner. Last year the theme was morrocan. We decorated with lanterns and used a lovely jewel toned patchwork throw as the tablecloth. This year we are going for a lovely white and pink theme. We will drape the coffee table with a lovely white on white damask table cloth, silver chargers, white dishes, old teacups with saucers, and the best idea I found on www.marthastewart.com ... cut out paper hearts in pale pinks to decorate the table. We will have to find lovely pink flowers to use as a center piece. Light the tea lights and we should be set. I will try to post a video of us setting up for good humor. Emma often will add paper scraps...and yes I let her! ha ha ha.

This year's menu is still unplanned as I need to create something that I can quickly finish as I work all day. I am going to have to hit www.epicurious.com to find a fabulous easy do ahead menu. They already have the planner up for Valentine's Day. Last year I made John Bishop's lamb stew with dumplings, and a beautiful flourless chocolate cake with coffee granita and raspberry coulis. It was easy and lovely.

So we will sit down for a late evening in front of our fire and celebrate Valentine's Day. We will be cozy and enjoy each other ,not dressed up, not out to dinner... just as we are.

Inexpensive & Chic!!

2009-01-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

All the holiday decorations are down and my house seems empty! With the media shouting economy downturn I am in dire need of a pick me up. What can one do? I have scoured the web and magazines looking for great ideas on a dime. I feel that many must be feeling the same so here are my top five inspirations:

Paint! I have picked up a new pot of paint and will be transforming my master bedroom from boring grey to a creamy white. My master will get a lick of beige and an inexpensive pop from dollar store art canvas's painted in a fantastic stencil of black and white... maybe with a kick of orange, blue or green. ( I just cannot decide)

CushionséFabric! As I already have more cushions than one girl rightfully needs; I have picked up some inexpensive cushion covers (Toscana has some right now) for my family room and living room. I am playing with fabrics I never would normally use like florals and stripes. They are making me feel really happy every morning. Fantastic!

Florals! Forget the traditional florals... and really who feels they should be buying fresh florals every couple of days in this economy.(though my favorite are grocery store roses in orange or pink this time of year) I have purchased some beautiful white sticks and have placed them in the largest glass vase I own. It is right smack in the middle of my dining table and I love it! It brings a natural sexy ambience. Large branches from your yard will do the same thing.

Features! Why not use what I have here and create a big new feature! I have stripped my walls and shelfs of pictures and created one wall filled with them. It is fresh and fun. Family pictures a funky mirror, a few pen drawings and voila!

Now some web sites for inspiration:

Living Rooms:

http://www.kainternational.com/ambientes.php?language=1

Master Bedroom:

http://www.serenaandlily.com/Rooms/Tess_3

Have fun!

Overview: Trend Watching for 2009 Part One

2008-12-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

It is of course that time again. Trends will be reported from every angle. I have decided to ponder them one glossy shiny magazine spread at a time. I love to ponder every layout, and choice then pick my favorites. Sometimes I am blinded by loving the most impractical trend, still I always find one inspiration to help change my existing decor.

the basics:
Every year Canadian House & Home features what they have selected as the new trends. They broke their selections down into the following 10 catagories.

Industrial - Loft meats commercial lines
Nomadic - Ethnic accessories
Modern Craft - Handhewn artistry with clean lines
New Byzantine - Think details, curves and lilac, with metallics. Arabian memoirs.
New Romantic - Punchy bohemian
Bleached - Beachy creams and whites
Iconic Collections -statement pieces
All-Out Decorating - over the top and into the details. Velvet, pattern and all professional.
Bold Blues - Hues of dark blue and vivid blues every where
Made-to-Measure - Focus is on the custom/ personal touches

least favorite:
I have to be honest I love to look at the rooms in magazines and my fingers ache to touch the fabrics. I admire the talent it takes to make each room perfect but at this stage of my life I can honestly say I would not want an All-Out decorated room. I love mistakes and the juxposition of items by accident.

favorites:
As I am always searching for new ideas and pondering the many home decor magazines, websites, blogs and books... I have to say this year House and Home covered the main angles. (they always do) I honestly am in love with the New Romantic. Though my house is mainly living in the realm of beige, white and chocolate brown. I have been coveting Anthropologie's home collection for about two years and must admit that in my linen closet amongst the white and beige bed sets one may find patterns featuring orange, dark purple, ochre and green. Maybe in a little time I will find a home for the colour....hmmm.

As one must always state the obvious.... the best trend is none. Follow your heart and pick items that you love.

Megan

Shaking it all Up

2007-12-28T22:15:00.000-08:00

Whew! Wipe the brow all of us Toscana Girls are almost out of the trenches. We just need to forge through New Year's Eve and we are finished! (Round of applause for you, me and all the entertainers of the holiday season)

I must admit as I am the pregnant Toscana Girl I am hosting a very small and intimate dinner for just my husband, daughter and myself. The other Toscana Girl will be preparing a feast for dinner guests. Still, the both of us are trying to think what would be a great idea for the table setting, the special cocktail (I think mine will be something pink and non-alchoholic for me and my little girl), and something...hmm well that shakes it all up! It's the new year for goodness sake... what better time to pull out the stops and do something a little different, maybe even silly. This still requires more thought. Can you make people dress up and insist no BLACK, no WHITE, no BEIGE or the like? Can you imagine... a table of people dressed in (goodness no!!) COLOUR? Sure would make a black & white table look great in photos hmmm.. ha ha ha ha

We wish everyone a very happy new year! Stop by the shop and a Toscana girl will help suggest fantastic fun table setting ideas!

Great Gift Ideas

2007-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

The holiday is fast approaching and I just glanced over at the stack of holiday items that I need to wrap. Hmmm...Should I just take them int

A whirlwind and a bizarre happening...

2007-12-07T22:07:00.000-08:00

The weeks are flying by quicker than we can imagine and us Toscana girls are in a whirlwind of activity. New merchandise, keeping the store fresh and tidy, excitement over the holiday and family visits as for everyone it is busy busy busy! But we love it in some bizarre way.

Unexpected new merchandise is hitting the floor... we scratch our heads... weren't these lamps supposed to be for January? YET... we can't resist putting them out! They are in gilded gold with burnt chocolate shades, creamy porcelin beige spotted and topped with luxe vanilla shades and decadent silver creations with pleated satin nougat shades. The look better than even the best box of holiday chocolates! Ooh la la! They are definately a must see!

Something bizarre is in the air.... both Ulli & I have been adding, changing and moving our holiday decorations around. What is going on? Just today I have decided that I need to add glass icicles and a few glass balls too two of my vignettes at home and to change my front door decorations. hmmm... is it the frost in the air?

Megan Baecker

Silly Paper Valentine's Hearts

New Year! New To Do List!

Sigh...It's Clean Up Time!

Prince, high heels, friends, family and cookies

Cookie Exchange!...but well let's face it... I am not good at baking!!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas with a hint of blush!

A reluctant Wednesday.

Mornings and a few of my FAVORITE THINGS!!

Holiday Wares and more to make!! Ha ha ha

Holiday Craft Fair

The Very Best of Versace for H&M

Desiring a pop!

Fall Wishes

Summer...Already? Where??

And Time Flies...Seriously!!

And the week has gotten away with me...but this is the craft and recipe I did do!! ha ha ha

Style…and well my apparent lack of interest is only a time constraint. Here it goes...

A little Tea Party...hmmm.

Back in Action!!

The Clear Out!!

The Clean up....Seriously!

Valentine's Day...*sigh*

Paint the town....White???

It's a New Beginning..and I just read a great BOOK!!

Sigh... As the world turns...my head spins!

Santa Baby...All I want is some sleep... oh...and some trinkets from Tiffany's ha ha ha!!

Holidays, musings on a few lovely things

Decking the Halls!

The art of the Boo!

Pies in a Jar?? Had to try it!

Wow....Did I really just go Camping & Miss a Fabulous Jewellery Party?

A glimpse at Toscana Girl ... Me.. Megan

Designer Feature - Thomas O'Brian "the art of Living not staging"

Summer!

The love of a Party!

The Guest Room - A little something special!

Sustinance for the Soul - The Power of the Family Dinner

oh please!!! Gimmie Spring!

Valentines... our quiet holiday... shhh...

Inexpensive & Chic!!

Overview: Trend Watching for 2009 Part One

Shaking it all Up

Great Gift Ideas

A whirlwind and a bizarre happening...

Valentine's Day...sigh